After gathering questions from pretty much everyone, Valve has put up a new official FAQ page for the Steam Deck that answers some pretty important questions and it's good news.
One really important questions was answered on anti-cheat support too. There were concerns that with Valve working to get the likes of Easy Anti-Cheat and BattlEye to support Proton that it might somehow be locked to the Steam Deck. Thankfully, that is simply not the case. Valve has said very clearly that the improvements will "will make it to all systems using Proton".
Here's the new FAQ in full to save you another click:
Can you have multiple Steam accounts on one Steam Deck?
Yes, and each account on a Steam Deck will keep its own local save data and settings.
Can I run non-Steam games through Proton on Steam Deck?
Yes, you can run non-Steam games through Proton.
Will Steam on Steam Deck have an ‘Add a Game’ feature like Steam on desktop?
Yes, we'll support adding games like we do for the desktop Steam client.
Will the UI on Steam Deck replace Big Picture?
That is what we’re aiming for, though the rollout will happen in stages.
Will improvements to Proton for Steam Deck (like anti-cheat support) also apply to Proton on desktop?
Yes, these improvements will make it to all systems using Proton.
How will SteamOS and Steam Deck handle offline mode when it comes to launching games?
Just like a PC, you'll need to be online to download games and play online multiplayer games. Once a game is installed on disk, you can play while Steam Deck is offline unless the game requires an internet connection.
What file system format does the microSD card use on Steam Deck?
Steam Deck microSD cards use ext4 with casefolding - Steam Deck formats SD cards to the proper format.
Can Steam Deck be used as a PC controller?
Yes, you can connect your Steam Deck to a PC via Remote Play and use it as a controller.
Will Steam Deck work with PC VR headsets?
While technically a PC VR headset can be connected, the Steam Deck is not optimized for PC VR experiences.
Does docking the Deck improve performance?
No, docking is more akin to plugging a USB-C hub into a PC. Steam Deck runs at full performance in portable mode.
What kinds of screens do the 64 GB and 256 GB models have?
All models have a glass screen (optically bonded IPS LCD). The 512 GB model's screen has an additional anti-glare etched treatment applied to it.
What kinds of haptics does the Steam Deck have?
The Steam Deck has dual LRA motors, one under each trackpad.
Does the audio jack support audio + mic?
Yes, CTIA standard layout.
Is the touchscreen multitouch?
Yes, ten fingers.
How long is the charging cable?
1.5 meters, or 4.9 feet.
Will Steam Deck be sold in retail stores?
Steam Deck is only available directly via Steam. We may be partnering with retailers as we make Steam Deck available in more regions - more information about that soon.
What can you tell us about the BIOS and does it allow dual-boot?
Multi-boot is supported - you can have multiple OSes installed and choose which one to boot into. Users will have access to the BIOS menu.
Can you boot an OS off the SD card?
Yes, Steam Deck supports boot from microSD.
Will Steam Deck support external GPUs?
No, external GPUs are not supported on Steam Deck.
Can I change which model of Steam Deck after I've already reserved?
No, once you've reserved a Steam Deck, the only way to change your model is to cancel and reserve again (this would put you at the end of the queue for your region).
Sounds like it's pretty much all good news. Being able to boot multiple systems clearly shows how it really is just a small-form factor PC, that will come with SteamOS (based on Arch Linux) by default. Users will be able to do whatever they want with it.
Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.
Mohandevir Sep 23, 2021
Just my non programmer 2 cents.
Last edited by Mohandevir on 23 September 2021 at 2:55 pm UTC
TheRiddick Sep 23, 2021
Quoting: EikeThere's a compatibility problem lurking here for all who are running case sensitive filesystems - which should be about everybody.
I think you can set folders as case insensitive with ext4 and I'd hope proton prefixes do this automatically.
Yes, and each account on a Steam Deck will keep its own local save data and settings."
Sweet, it was a major pain in SteamOS 1&2.
UnixOutlaw Sep 24, 2021
Not interested in using a VPN or anything to pretend I'm somewhere else...
Last edited by UnixOutlaw on 24 September 2021 at 8:52 am UTC
inlinuxdude Sep 24, 2021
Quoting: HoriI didn't expect case-folding, but whatever. As long as it plays games and it does it well, why should I care?
Also... can't wait for SteamOS be available to the public. I want to dual-boot it, even though I already run Arch Linux as my main. I want it separate so that I can use it like a console PC (Steam Machine?) from my couch without the need for any keyboard or mouse (the Steam Controller can already navigate the GRUB menu fully, so that's not an issue), and also without the need to maintain the system and fixing game compatibility issues myself.
Although I can already do something similar-ish with my main OS and Steam's BPM and some scripts, it's far from ideal, and I really don't want it to interfere with the rest of my OS.
Aaaand, the SteamOS 3 UI looks preety damn cool!
Why not use ChimeraOS (formerly GamerOS) now? I've been using it for a couple years after rebuilding my formerly SteamOS box. It works great...
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